The new shirt is available now at the Museum of Ventura County, there are only 75 in the first printing, so be quick!

Artist Pete Ippel modeling the shirt he designed for the Dia de los Muertos event at the Museum of Ventura County - Photo by Diane Ippel

With this wearable art, I have taken the traditional imagery of the calaca (Mexican skeleton) and given it a contemporary flavor. The interactive garment allows the wearer to take their celebration of El Dia De Los Muertos in a new direction. Once the shirt has served its purpose as clothing, the wearer is encouraged to cut out the printed image and create a decoration for their own altar by simply attaching the arms and legs to the torso.

Cut t-shirt Calacas designed by Pete Ippel for the Dia de los Muertos event at the Museum of Ventura County

My design is intentionally open so that the new collaborator can add their own decorations, flowers, or write directly on the printed cloth. By working together, we both realize our creative vision, celebrating the spirit of our ancestors and loved ones. Truly a move toward Open Fashion.

Once the shirt has served it’s purpose as clothing, the wearer is encouraged to cut out the printed image and create a decoration for their own altar by simply attaching the arms and legs to the torso.

My design is intentionally open, so that the new collaborator can add their own decorations, flowers, or write directly on the printed cloth. By working together, we both realize our creative vision, celebrating the spirit of our ancestors and loved ones. Truly a move toward Open Fashion.